Monday, November 10, 2008

In Remembrance of Veteran's Day

To all the American, Canadian and British Troops,
past, present and future -
This is for you...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass. 'Step forward now, you soldier, how shall I deal with you?Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said, 'No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep...Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place, among the people here. They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne, where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, for the judgment of his God. 'Step forward now, you soldier, you've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell.'
Author Unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's the military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.
It's the military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the military, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag. If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country, and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a solider!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

aww those pictures are heart wrenching! Thanks for sharing! Happy Veterans Day!

Sandy said...

What powerful images. Thank you Jeannie!

Lizzie said...

thanks for making us all take a moment to reflect on what has been sacrificed for us all.

Thanks to all who have or are serving for freedom.

Lynnette said...

You always inspire me!

Intense Guy said...

This is an awesome tribute to those that serve.

Many thanks Queenie.

Unknown said...

Happy Vets day and you are so very welcome.

Deanna said...

I wandered over from Intenseguy's blog. Awesome tribute!

Cassie said...

The pictures are heart breaking, but a necessary reminder, thank you for sharing them. "Final Inspection" has been a long time favorite of mine. It's (regrettably) all too easy to put a soldiers' lifelong hardships to the back of our minds. Again, thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

BEAUTIFUL post!!!! nuff said...

ChicagoLady said...

God Bless all our soldiers, past and present.

Preston said...

Awesome images. I was in NYC today and ran into two veteran sailors, one from Vietnam war and one from WWII. They were coming home from the parade. My coworker and I shook their hands and thanked them for everything they've done for us. We are who we are and live like we live because of veterans and those in the armed forces today. Let's not forget them.

Ashley said...

Definitely thank your husband for what he has done && continues to do for our great country!
&& Thank you very much for the blog comments!

Kate said...

oh man, I love those pictures. I'm so grateful for all you military families.